Coutinho ‘The Same Philippe’ Insists Klopp

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says that Philippe Coutinho’s summer dalliance with Barcelona has not changed him. The player submitted a transfer request during the summer, in light of sustained interest from the La Liga club.

Coutinho has yet to play for the club this season and won’t be part of Liverpool’s squad for Saturday’s game against Manchester City at the Etihad Arena. But Klopp has denied suggestions that Coutinho’s mood will be low as a transfer never materialised.

“Maybe you should not believe all the things that’s claimed. The most important thing, no one told me anything. It’s a normal situation, there was another club, a big player, who wanted the player. That’s how it is.

“They ask, we say no, then it stops...that’s not how it is. I cannot even think three or four days ago, let alone the last week. Yesterday I told the team ‘boys, welcome two new players...Ox and Philippe’

“He loves football. We just need to bring him back into shape. Before the back problems, he was playing outstanding football. Now we have to get him back into this situation as quick as possible.”

On the summer saga, Klopp added, “I think we handled it really well. It’s normal that a lot of things come up in a situation like this. It’s not unforgiveable. It’s a normal thing. He’s accepted the situation. It’s not like I had to say anything about it.

“He’s a wonderful player, who wants to get fit and play for this club. It’s absolutely no problem and I’m really fine with the situation.”